Bids for state-subsidized insurance come in high

New bids from four insurers who provide subsidized insurance under Massachusetts’ universal healthcare law have come in far higher than expected.

Chairwoman Leslie Kirwan has canceled today’s meeting of the Connector Board and is considering a public statement discussing the unanticipated cost growth and her hope the insurers can cut their proposed rate increases.

The insurers, Fallon Community Health Plan, BMC HealthNet Plan, Neighborhood Health Plan and Network Health, service the Commonwealth Care program. It provides subsidized healthcare to people earning up to three times the federal poverty level.

Last month, the board proposed raising copayments on the 169,000 people covered by the program. The concern is the suggested rate increases won’t be enough if coverage is more expensive than expected.
(AP)